Chemicals in Kids' Costumes -- It's Halloween in Vermont

The following is an email I received from Taylor Johnson at Environmental Health Associate, VPIRG. Shared with permission. The following words are not my own:

A
new study released last week by HealthyStuff.org found elevated levels
of toxic chemicals in popular Halloween costumes, accessories and even “trick
or treat” bags. The products were purchased from top national retailers
including CVS, Kroger, Party City, Target, Walmart, and Walgreens.

Click here to visit petition site

These chemicals have no place in products for our little ones. For
instance they found high levels of flame retardants in “trick or treat” bags,
and a toddler Batman costume that contained very high levels of phthalates,
and even lead in the lining of the mask.TAKE
ACTION: Tell big retailers – our children deserve a safe toxic-free Halloween.
I’ve heard from parents all over the state that it can feel overwhelming
trying to find products for their children that aren’t laced with dangerous
toxins. That’s exactly why last legislative session VPIRG spearheaded
passage of the Toxic-Free Families Act. Thanks to the law, in 2016, Vermont
parents can go online and research costumes, and other children's products, to
avoid these hidden toxins.
Unfortunately though, due to chemical industry lobbying, we have to wait two
years for this program to kick-in. In the meantime, tell America’s big
retailers that children's products are no place for dangerous toxins.Join
us and send a message to retailers today. It’s time they “Mind the Store” and
get these toxic chemicals out of products once and for all.
We know that big retailers can do better. There are enough scary
things out there this Halloween, let’s cross toxic Halloween costumes off
the list.